David Returns to Durham. A Fond Farewell to SU President

Posted 29 June 2007

Students and staff at Harper Adams University College, Shropshire are preparing to say a fond farewell to David Martin, President of the Student Union. David, from Tursdale, near Coxhoe, County Durham, is coming to the end of his one-year term in this much respected position at the University College.

David previously studied a degree in Agriculture with Crop Management at Harper Adams before standing for election as the SU President. After a spirited campaign David fought of stiff competition and was elected President by his peers on 18th May 2006 with an overwhelming majority.

During his time as SU President David has co-ordinated liaison with academic and support staff, governors and students as well as forging links with local groups. He has led fundraising activities that totalled £15,000 for local and national charities and gained funding so that students can attend the prestigious Oxford Farming Conference. David has also played a supporting roll in many sporting achievements particularly the football and rugby seconds teams.

The Principal, Professor Wynne Jones, says “David has been an excellent SU President, showing great leadership and interpersonal skills. His enthusiasm and spirit has rubbed off on all his committee members and together, with his support, they have made many achievements, including sporting, fundraising, sponsorship and liaisons.”

When asked about his time at Harper Adams David said “After four years of studying at an institution with the reputation of Harper Adams, to then run the Students' Union and manage the facilities and staff, with a turnover around £750,000 has really been an eye opener and will stand me in good stead for managing my own business"

As a student and then SU President, he has seen huge investments in the campus with countless improvements and developments at the University College that is the leading educational institution in the rural and land-based industries. It has an enviable employment record where graduates are highly sought after in the jobs market. Harper Adams is committed to providing an all encompassing experience for all students and offers top quality teaching and outstanding resources, within a student environment. It is also proud of its community spirit and is devoted to helping students achieve their ambitions in an institution where every student is important and matters.

Next week David is heading back to County Durham to live in Sedgefield where he will be undertaking contracting and self employment and hopes to take on more land to farm in-hand.